Authorities Investigating School Beating That Injured Montco Girl

PERKIOMEN VALLEY, PA — A Montgomery County high school is facing a new controversy after a teenage girl was severely beaten at her lunch table, leading to questions about basic safety protections for students.

The incident occurred on Friday, Dec. 1 at Perkiomen Valley High School.

The victim, a sophomore girl, was attacked from behind by two other girls who "took her to the ground" and "beat her with their fists and feet," according to a GoFundMe organized in her name.

"They pulled her hair and threw her phone at her as a school counselor tried to cover her but they would not stop," the fundraiser's description states.

The girl was left with a concussion and numerous other injuries, according to the fundraiser, including a sprained ankle, bruised rib, bruised spine, lost hair where the attackers ripped out chunks, and welts on her head.

In a statement, the district confirmed the incident and said that they are working with Pennsylvania State Police to further investigate it.

"The Perkiomen Valley School District works diligently to nurture positive and safe school communities. Unfortunately, there was a physical altercation in our high school last week," Superintendent Barbara Russell told Patch. "The high school administration is taking the situation seriously and upholding the Code of Conduct to the fullest extent and working with law enforcement. There have been questions and concerns raised by community members in response to the altercation, however in an effort to avoid jeopardizing the investigation or violating anyone’s confidentiality, the District is not commenting further."

It's not clear if any immediate changes are forthcoming. Several students also expressed emotional safety concerns at a board meeting this week.

The two students involved in the beating have been suspended for 10 days, according to the fundraiser and school officials.

Patch has also reached out to the district's Board of Supervisors for comment on the case.

The fundraiser, which aims to pay for the victim's medical bills, has raised nearly $7,000 from 199 donors in the past four days.